France's average pension and progressive retirement reforms outlined for 2026

The average French pension is projected at €1,600‑€1,650 net per month in 2026, up from a 2024 gross average of €1,705. Women face a 36 % gap in direct pension rights, leaving about four out of ten women below €1,000 a month.

Progressive retirement, introduced to let workers reduce hours while receiving part of their pension, is available from age 60 for anyone with at least 150 quarters of contributions. There is no upper age limit; participants may continue the scheme until they claim full retirement.

A separate issue concerns the minimum contributive pension (MICO). While the statutory minimum is €903.93 brutto, the total of basic and supplemental pensions cannot exceed the 2026 ceiling of €1,410.89. When the combined amount is higher, the promised supplement is reduced, resulting in lower actual payouts for some retirees.